The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-08-31
A BROWNING SOCIETY.
Romantic Story Overheard at One OF
Its Meetings.

It has always been a matter of Won
der to me why Browning societies ex-
ist. Every town of any Importance
has Browning society whose object
seems to be the finding out of the mean
ing of what Mr.. Browning writes.
Now | could see some sense in Shaks-
peare society, or Homer society, for
these two estimable gentlemen have
been dead for some time; but Mr.
Browning is alive and well, and if any
point in his writings is obscure l
should think it the more practicable
plan to send the old man post card
with return half to it and frankly
ask him what he was driving at. This
would only cost q few cents. and
would save an endless amount OF dis
cussion that settles nothing. any how
Browning societies are mostly COM
posed of ladies, but now and then
man is admitted as special favor, and
on the evening when Mrs. Fernfield
Hoskins gave discourse on q stanza
of Browning l had the honor OF an in
yitation.
The room was we'll filed and was
pervaded with that subdued hum OF
polite conversation that is characters
tic of our cultured assemblies. I found
chair well in the background and sat
directly behind q couple of exceedingly
pretty and very stylishly dressed young
ladies. l could not help thinking how
we are apt to err in our estimate of
those who move in what is termed
good society. for | had noticed each of
these young ladies on the avenue at
different times and my hasty conclu-
sion was that they were frivolous
young things who had not either Of
them mind above the latest Paris
fashion, yet here they were prepared
to enjoy an intellectual treat, for it is
well known that Mrs. Fcrntield Hos
kins, of Boston, is not only an earnest
student but deep thinker.
That overheard the conversation of
those young ladies during the evening
was not my fault.
you know, Florrie, have been just
dying to have talk with you and
hear all the particulars. Of course, /
heard good deal about it, and it was
so romantic, but rs YOU were there,
you will have so much more to tell.
Was it true that you found young Hart
ford starving in a garrett in Paris? l
think that was perfectly delicious.
And they said you were with her
when she went to his studio never
knowing it was his. But, of course,
she did know, didn't she? You were
her bridesmaid when they were mar
ried in Paris. Do tell me all about
It" At this moment these was rip
pie of applause, and the chairman of
the society rose and said that the
name of Mrs. Fernfield Hoskins
was sufficient introduction to any
cultured audience in the world.
Applause. He was sure that no.
where would the lady have warmer
welcome than in Detroit. Renewed
applause.] 1t was at once his pleasure
and his privilege to present Mrs. Fern
field Hoskins to the Browning Club Of
Detroit. [Great applause.
At this gray-haired lady of digni-
fed presence slowly rose and came
forward to the desk, on which she
placed an open book. There was a
warm greeting from the audience and
the two young ladies before me dain-
tily patted their neatly gloved hands.
Mrs. Fernfield Hoskins adjusted her
glasses, and after few eulogistic re-
marks about the poet, read in a well
modulated voice the following lines:
"Where's the gain?
How can we guard our unbelief,
Make it bear fruit to us? The problem here.
Just when we are safest. there's u sunset touch.
fancy from flowerbell, some ones death,
chorus ending from Euripides,
AND that's enough for fifty hopes and fears,
AS old and new at once as Natures self,
10 rap and knock and enter in our soul.
TAKE hands and dance there, a fantastic ring,
hound the ancient idol. on his base again
Inc great perhaps!'
This stanza from Blougram," be-
gan Mrs. Fern field Haskins, sis, as
you are all aware
Now Florrie," whispered the girl
at the left, what / never could under
stand was why old Coupon would not
allow Fanny to marry young Hartford
mere, when he failed, and yet gave his
consent to the marriage when they
found him starving in Paris. There
isn't any sentiment about John Coup
on and poor young man IN Paris is
just the same to him as poor young
man in Detroit Idon't believe he has
an affection for anything on this earth
except that railroad of his.
We'll" said the girl on the right,
II You tell me what you heard of the
story I'll tell you whether it is CORE ct.
"Aii right. Hartford was engaged
70 Fanny Coupon the year before Old
coupon never seemed to like the
match very well, but Hartford APP
Peared to be getting alone we'll on the
Board of Trade, and so he consented.
.nen ne lost every thing on that wheat
asal. Was it q wheat deal?"
Pork, think"